Forklift feature articles
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Check for signs of forklift abuse
Although the previous twelve points mentioned in this feature should cover almost every possible situation, it's worth noting the following signs of abuse.
There is no substitute for an extensive examination by an expert, ideally your own in-house service engineer if you have one. Here are some key points that should be looked for. Why not print out this checklist and take it with you when you inspect the truck.
- Damage to overhead guard or backrest
- Low oil pressure
- Worn rings or valves
- Radiator damage
- Rust in engine coolant
- Discolored transmission fluid
- Bowed or scored mast channels
- Score marks on the mast or cylinder rods
- Downward drift of an elevated carriage
- Leaking hydraulic control valves
- Absent or suspicious CE mark
- Fork arms with cracks, welds, bends or excessive wear
- Loose steer axle knuckles or tie-rod ends
- Chassis cracks or signs of re-welding
- Heavy rusting on the chassis
- Missing safety equipment
- High truck hours (over 1,000 hours per year since new)
- Uneven tyre wear
- Fluid leaks under the truck when idling for 10-15 minutes
- Excessive noise from motor when carrying a load
- Sooty residue in the exhaust pipe
- Brakes should stop smoothly and in a straight
- Operator manual in your own language
Conclusion
If you need a truck as a spare or only have occasional use for one, buying used may well make sense. It’s not always possible, but, if you’re in any doubt, you could take the unusual step of asking if you can hire the machine for a few weeks before committing to buy. If your business depends on the truck, it’s a better business decision to buy new, possibly with an extended warranty. Whatever you decide, take as much care as you would buying a car – and look for a manufacturer with a proven track record of reliability.